have ability

USAGE SUMMARY

"have ability" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone or something has a certain capability. For example: "He has the ability to solve complex problems quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They have ability.

The New York Times - Sports

"We have ability".

The New York Times - Magazine

"We need to have ability at the quarterback position.

The New York Times - Sports

Players who don't have ability don't play for Man United.

Independent

If you have ability, you can rise to the top and show your ability".

The New York Times

My actors have to have ability, but they have to be able to control their ability".

The New York Times

"A lot of guys have ability — more ability than Mariano," said Rivera's longtime agent, Fernando Cuza.

The New York Times - Sports

For example, a business that starts in China or India will have ability to compete with one in Indiana.

The New York Times

"Look at this season, at the teams that aren't in the playoffs, teams that have ability," Lamoriello said.

The New York Times - Sports

We have ability whitelabel this.

TechCrunch

Both have ability but will they sink or swim?

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have ability", specify the area or skill to which the ability applies to provide clarity and context. For instance, instead of saying "They have ability", specify "They have ability in data analysis".

Common error

Avoid using "have ability" in vague or general contexts. Instead of saying "The system has ability", specify the system's specific capabilities such as "The system has ability to process large datasets quickly".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have ability" functions as a predicate phrase, indicating the possession of a capacity or potential. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts, affirming its grammatical correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have ability" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for indicating capacity, potential, or competence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across a range of contexts, including science, news, and business. While versatile, it is recommended to specify the area of ability for clarity. Alternatives such as "be capable of" or "possess the capacity" can be used for variety. With a neutral register, "have ability" is suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

possess the capacity

Emphasizes the inherent capacity or potential to do something, highlighting a natural or existing trait.

be capable of

Focuses on the general capability or competence to perform a task or action.

have the potential

Highlights the possibility of future success or development in a particular area.

be equipped to

Implies having the necessary resources, skills, or qualities to handle a situation or task.

be able to

A simpler and more direct way of expressing the capability to do something.

have what it takes

Suggests possessing the necessary qualities, skills, or attributes for success.

be competent in

Focuses on the skill and proficiency in a specific area or task.

be proficient at

Highlights a high level of skill and expertise in a particular activity.

have the aptitude

Indicates a natural talent or inclination towards a particular skill or area.

be predisposed to

Suggests a natural inclination or tendency towards a certain behavior or skill.

FAQs

How can I use "have ability" in a sentence?

You can use "have ability" to indicate someone or something's capacity or potential. For instance: "She "has ability" to learn new languages quickly".

What are some alternatives to "have ability"?

You can use alternatives such as "be capable of", "possess the capacity", or "have the potential" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "have ability" or "are able to"?

Both "have ability" and "are able to" are grammatically correct, but "are able to" is often considered more concise. "Have ability" can be used when emphasizing the inherent quality or potential.

What's the difference between "have ability" and "have a skill"?

"Have ability" refers to a general capacity or potential, while "have a skill" refers to a specific, learned proficiency. You might "have ability" in mathematics, but "have a skill" in coding.